Patient Orientation - Clinical Information

Lab Draws

In order for results to be readily available for your doctor, lab blood draws are conducted between 4 and 5 a.m.

Blood Pressure Checks

The frequency of blood pressure and temperature checks depends on the reason for your hospitalization and your doctor's orders.

Physical Rounds

The time your doctor visits varies according to his or her schedule.

Patient Care Staff

The staff involved in your care includes:

nurses

patient care technicians (PCTs)

unit clerks.

You may see other caregivers as well, depending on your needs.

HIPAA

These regulations ensure privacy protection for patients. To find out more about the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), visit www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa or call (866) 627-7748.

Discharge

Your doctor will write a discharge order and a nurse will prepare you for discharge. Patient educators, social workers and others may need to give you instructions for your care at home. Coordinating your discharge may take some time; however, every effort is made to discharge you as promptly as possible. Please make arrangements for transportation home. Patients are usually ready to go home approximately two hours after the doctor gives the discharge order. Plan on a 10 a.m. discharge.